So you’ve recently purchased one of the brand spanking new iMacs that come with the latest hardware. The machine would be perfect if it weren’t for its standard 4GB RAM that begs to be upgraded? While you can build-to-order your machine at the online Apple store with up to 16GB RAM, it probably isn’t your most prudent choice given the company’s steep pricing for memory upgrades.

For example, Apple still thinks four 4GB 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM modules (for a total of 16GB RAM) are worth six hundred dollars. Why not instead take your money to Other World Computing or Trans Intl? Both firms offer comparable RAM for mid-2011 iMac models at a fraction of Apple’s price. For example, Other World Computing has a 16GB kit with your name on it for just $207.99. The same-capacity module will set you back $188 at Trans Intl.

Both companies also offer a trade-in program where they discount your order by taking your existing memory chips (all new iMacs ship with two 2GB modules).

Apple supports user memory upgrades on iMacs. The straightforward procedure is well documented and it doesn’t void your warranty.

It’s simple – you just remove the RAM access door in the bottom of the machine, untuck the tab in the memory compartment and pull the tabs to eject factory-installed memory and replace them with your own modules. That’s all there is to it, really.